Question about divisional races
 

When are you required to specify what class (stock) you are running? Do you have a chance to weigh the car at the event first to decide or do you already have to know when you do the paperwork?
It's basically a new combo and the local track (Spokane) wouldn't allow the use of their scale at a test and tune. There are a couple of bracket races before the divisional so hopefully they will open the scale then.

Thanks!

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Afret

Hey buddy, just pay at the gate, get pitted, unload the car warm it up and pull up on the scales, have somebody follow you down to the scales as sometimes there is nobody reading the scales for the driver. Most of the tracks I go to always face the monitor towards the scales where you can read it from the car. Then you can figure out what Class to run and either add or subtract weight from the car and then fill out your Tech card and go to Tech, which is usually in the staging lanes, but that's just in Div 4.

RJ

Re: Question about divisional races
 

You could get weighed at a scrap yard or lumber mill yard. Load the car on the trailer and weigh the whole rig, go unload the car and go back and reweigh the rig, the difference is the car weight. It will get you in the ball park, those scales around here are state certified on a regular basis and I have found them to be pretty accurate. Might be able to do the same at a truck stop with scales.

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Or call the local fabricators in your area (or even speed shops, if there still are any) and ask to "rent" their wheel scales for a couple of hours. Usually, they'll want a pretty hefty deposit (so you return them), but most guys I've dealt with are pretty cooperative. Take them home, throw the car up on them and you'll even get corner weights and front/rear weight distribution.

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Truck scales at your local Flying J, Love's, etc. are normally pretty accurate as well. Your first weigh is ~10-12 bucks but subsequent weighs within 24 hours are only a buck or so. The good thing about that is you can get axle weights for your tow vehicle as well as trailer and you'll see how your tow vehicle axle weights may need to be adjusted with your weight transfer bars if you're using a weight distribution hitch. Weighing with car off the trailer can give you a accurate number for the car but for only a buck you can get the axle weights of the car itself. Don't expect 50/50 like a BMW but you can get close. If you want wheel weights (it's vital if you need to tune and you'll be surprised how much weight can be jacked corner to corner) then the aforementioned speed shop rental is good (try a shop specializing in dirt tracks). Also, many of your good motorhome dealers have weight pads, just be careful of their hourly rates so ask beforehand.

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Thanks very much for all the great ideas!!

Re: Question about divisional races
 

I think any time prior to making the first qualifying run, you can hold off on specifying what class you want to run in. I have teched at div 6 races and told them I wanted to run the test and tune before I decided on which class to run. I just filled out the tech card without the class speced, just tell them why you are doing it and clarify which class prior to your first qualifying run. Not a big deal.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Re: Question about divisional races
 

A great place to weigh your car is at your town Recovery/Recycle/Trash center, usually their scales are very accurate.
Bring the guy a box of donuts and a coffee and he'll be happy to do it for you.

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Thanks! Just what I needed to know.


And thanks again to everyone for the good alternatives for weighing the car.

Re: Question about divisional races
 

Do as RJ said go and pay your entry fee find a tech person
and ask if the scales are open and if not they would
probably send some one to open it. I did it more than once
at a points meet tech is always ready to help